CO129-271 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1896 [1-4] — Page 538

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cases the consuls are merchants, perhaps even the agents of the

steamers: suggests that the decision of the number of passengers

that can be safely carried should be left in each case to the

discretion of the Harbour Master. If this cannot be done, the number

of passengers night te limitel according to superficial deck

space. Consiiers that in any case the initiative should ta taken

by the Chinese Government.

12.Chinklang Consul,

Suggests application (with necessary modifications) of the Third

Part of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894, but depreciates any action

unless cooperated in by all other Powers.

13.Newcbwang Consul,

Suggests that steaders te only allowed to carry as many passengers

as they can provide life saving apparatus for, and that three

days' provisions should be carried on the voyage from Newchwang

to Che foo.'

14.Tientsin Consul,

Considers that restrictions are not needed, and if enforced would

cripple the passenger trade carried on by British steaners, and

that even if agreed upon ty other nations they would not be ad¬ ́

bered to by Chinese ship owners.

15.Chefoo Consul,

The voyages from here- are:-

(1) To Newcbwang, 24 hours

(2) To Vladivostock, 4 1/2 to 3 days.

As regards (1), suggests that